Documents required for a Texas driver's license renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current or expired license. The exact documents you need depend on whether you are renewing in person at a DPS office or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has been expired for more than two years.
If you are renewing in person, you will need one document from the identity list, one from the residency list, and your current license. If you are renewing by mail and your license expired less than two years ago, you typically need only your current license and the completed process form — no additional documents. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and bring all required documents.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires one proof of identity, one proof of residency, and your current or expired license.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years, and you need only your license and completed process form.
- Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or naturalization certificate.
- Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days of your process.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person with all required documents.
Proof of identity documents accepted by Texas DPS
Texas DPS accepts several documents as proof of identity. A U.S. passport (book or card) is the strongest form of identity and is accepted without question. A certified birth certificate issued by the vital statistics office in the state where you were born also works. If you were born outside the United States, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship serves as proof of identity.
A current military ID card is accepted, as is a military dependent ID card if you are a dependent of an active-duty service member. If you hold a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), that document also counts. You need only one of these documents — you do not need to bring multiple forms of identity.
Proof of residency documents accepted by Texas DPS
Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of the date you submit your process. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or trash service) in your name works. A lease agreement or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord is acceptable. A mortgage statement or property tax statement showing your name and address also counts.
A bank or credit union statement, a vehicle registration, or an insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's) dated within the 90-day window will work as well. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your own name, a notarized affidavit from the person whose name appears on the utility bill or lease, stating that you live at that address, can substitute. The document must clearly show your Texas address — a P.O. box alone is not sufficient.
What to bring if you are renewing by mail
Mail renewal is the simplest path if your license expired less than two years ago. You need only your current or recently expired license and the completed process form (Form DL-43). You do not need to submit proof of identity or residency when renewing by mail, because DPS already has your information on file from your previous license process.
Mail the form and your license to the address provided on the DPS website or on the renewal notice you received. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. This process typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
What to bring if you are renewing in person
In-person renewal requires you to visit a DPS office with your current or expired license, one proof of identity document, and one proof of residency document. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted. You will also need to complete Form DL-43 (the renewal process) at the office, or you can fill it out ahead of time and bring it with you.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as you will need it to complete the process. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring payment for the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card — most DPS offices accept all three, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
Special documents needed for name changes or corrections
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change. A certified marriage certificate is needed if you took a spouse's name. A certified divorce decree or court order is needed if you changed your name through a legal proceeding. These documents must be originals or certified copies — office copies or notarized copies are not accepted.
If you notice an error on your current license (misspelled name, wrong date of birth, incorrect address), bring documentation that shows the correct information. For a date of birth error, bring your birth certificate. For a name error, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document showing the correct name. DPS will correct the error during your renewal without charging an additional fee.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, even though you will provide your Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of Texas residency if you are renewing by mail and your license expired less than two years ago. You do not need to bring a medical certificate or vision test results unless DPS specifically requests one based on your age or driving record.
You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or any documents related to your vehicle. You do not need to bring a Real ID document unless you are upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license at the time of renewal — and if you are, you will need additional documents (see the Real ID section below).
Real ID documents if you are upgrading at renewal
If you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license during your renewal, you will need additional documents beyond the standard renewal requirements. Real ID is a federal standard that allows your license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You will need one document proving citizenship or legal residency status.
Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). You will also need your standard proof of identity and proof of residency. The process takes longer than a standard renewal — plan for 30 to 45 minutes at the DPS office instead of 15 to 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license by mail if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring your expired license, one proof of identity, and one proof of residency. Mail renewal is available only for licenses that expired within the last two years.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
If you do not have a birth certificate or U.S. passport, you can use a military ID, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization if you have one. If you have none of these, contact DPS before your appointment to ask what alternative documents they will accept in your situation.
Does my proof of residency document have to be in my name?
Yes, it must show your name and current Texas address. If you live with someone else and have no document in your own name, you can use a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, stating that you live at that address.
Can I use a digital or electronic copy of my identity or residency document?
No. DPS requires original documents or certified copies. Digital photos, screenshots, or PDF copies are not accepted. Bring the physical document to your DPS office.
What if my address on my proof of residency does not match my current address?
Your proof of residency must show your current address. If your address has changed since your document was issued, bring a newer document that reflects your current address, or bring two documents that together show your move (an old one at the previous address and a new one at the current address).